With Cinco de Mayo and these sweltering summer months right ahead, the thought of a sweet, refreshing margarita just feels more and more enticing as they both approach.  Lucky for us here in the Tampa Bay area, we've got a whole festival dedicated to this famous Mexican cocktail right in our backyard.

The 2013 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival is set to take place on Saturday, May 25 at the beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa.  Kicking off at 2 p.m., this margarita-minded celebration will feature a wide variety of some of the best margaritas in the Tampa Bay area, live music performed throughout the day, and more.

Of course, there will be a huge variety of craft and premium margaritas on hand crafted perfectly by all the expert bartenders at the festival.  Premium margaritas will range in price from $6 to $8 and feature fresh squeezed lime juice, pure cane sugar, fresh agave, and of course, the highest quality tequila and liquors including Hornitos, Sauza, Grand Marnier, and more.

Other items for sale at the festival will include $5 craft margaritas, $5 beer, and bottled water for $1.

There will be a variety of live entertainment throughout the day at the 2013 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival including fun performances from Tribal Style, Riders of the Easy Posse, and Southern Train as well as a dazzling fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.

General admission tickets to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  VIP tickets are $75 in advance and include access to the "Grand Marnier VIP Cantina" at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival where endless margaritas will be served from your own VIP Bar, including the top shelf Grand Marnier Margaritas plus endless chips, salsa, and queso!

For tickets and more information, visit tampamargaritafest.com.